Disney bringing the macro lens to the micro with A REAL BUG'S LIFE (S2)

It’s really hard to admire bugs.

Bugs can give the icks and chills. Their miniscule size compared to humans relegates bugs to an almost invisible existence. Unless they nip, draw out human blood, or create any property damage, most humans pay no matter to them. That doesn’t mean humans and bugs do not influence one another. With Disney+ Original Series from National Geographic, the second season of A REAL BUG’S LIFE once again takes viewers literally into a bugs eye view of how much space that humans and bugs actually share. There is so much to learn about bugs that it needed another season (and possibly, hopefully, more).

“The colors, the drama, the survival! This series is an absolute feast for the eyes. Every spider needs to watch!” –Peppy the Peacock Spider (“Tiny Heroes Down Under” episode)

The term “bug” is generally used to describe pretty much all of the tiny little beings. Being so small, and often times so numerous, it’s hard to relate to them as a human. The series not only focuses on the unique visuals and powers of these critters but also carries a high octane plot of drama. By superimposing familiar stories with these bugs, it’s much easier to push past the ick and see them as actual beings utilizing the world around them to survive. How can you not be engrossed in these stories? It’s one little thing against so many big things and yet they fight on. It’s hard not to feel various levels of awe and humbling emotions.

I can’t believe how well they portrayed my quest for love! My episode is a knight’s tale like no other.” –Sir Stag the American Stag Beetle (“Love In the Forest” episode)

National Geographic is known for producing visually stunning nature documentaries. A REAL BUG’S LIFE continues to deliver those promises of stunning visuals coupled with entertaining story telling told from the bugs viewpoints. For the photography enthusiasts, be prepared to see technology using motion-controlled cameras, ultra high speed lenses, macro filming, photogrammetry, probe and microscope lenses, racing first-person drones, and ultra high-speed cameras. All of these skills and fine tools to capture the crazy close details on the bugs. Some scenes are so close, you can see the fine feelers on the bugs.

Animal wrangler Tim Cockerill wrangles bugs on a rooftop table near actor Fazon Gray in NewYork City, N.Y. during a shoot for "The Big City" episode of "A Real Bug's Life." Grip HeidiGrunwald stands off to the right of the frame. (National Geographic/Joe Craig)

Combined with the sassy narration from Awkwafina, the episodes showcases stories of survival, love, and just crazy abilities. Each episodes centers around an ecosystems that has heavy human involvement. These are not distant lands or areas. From the beaches of Malaysia to a pond in England, bugs are everywhere and so is the impact of humans. In the very first episode, “Life’s a Beach”, the heartstrings were tugged for a hermit crab who was doing everything possible to find a new shell to call home. With a hermit crab as a guide, we get a tour of the many astounding bugs within the surrounding waters. Everyone can relate to the high stakes of real estates and the environmental surprises that jeopardize a good deal!

What makes this series so engrossing is how the series combine the cameras and narration. It’s using these skills to pretty much direct some pretty awesome scenes “Life's A Beach” immediate hook was the hilarious sequence of the Tiger Beetle. It’s one thing to say this bug is super fast. It’s another to film it a way that similar to the iconic landlady chase scene in Kung Fu Hustle. The camera can barely keep up with the Tiger Beetle as it skitters rapidly across the hot sands only to screech to a halt for a little snack.

The series is both pure entertainment and a deep source of fascinating information. Information such as how the peacock spiders can see more colors than humans. Or that they can jump 40 times their length. Then there are the fireflies that can create cold light with an enzyme called luciferase. Luciferase is an enzyme that i involved in bioluminescence production, a very serious process but what a cool name. A REAL BUG’S LIFE brings a gorgeous close-up lens to a critters that have developed systems and abilities beyond imagination to survive. With the added bonus of Awkwafina making it so fun to listen to.

The documentary series has begun streaming on January 5, 2025 and is available to watch on Disney+.